Closure

37. Colors

With the newest addition to the family, everyone was brimming with excitement and made sure Akshu felt at ease and welcomed. The house was filled with celebrations for her and Abhi, creating an atmosphere of pure joy. Abhi, in particular, couldn't hide his happiness, almost acting like a carefree child.

In the afternoon, while Akshu was unpacking in the room, Abhi had gone for a scheduled surgery. Manjiri knocked on the door.

"Do you need help with anything?" she asked gently.

"Nahi Maa, you rest. You've had a busy few days. Abhi helped me this morning, and there's just a bit left. I'll manage."

"Actually, I shouldn't have asked. Let me try again. I'll help you unpack," Manjiri insisted with a smile.

Both women chuckled, and Manjiri joined Akshu in organizing the room. As they worked, Manjiri gazed at the colorful dresses Akshu had hung in the closet, beside Abhi's simpler clothes. "You're the colors my son needed in his life. Abhi was always a quiet, studious child. As he grew older, he became more distant from everything. He'd work tirelessly at the hospital and then retreat into music to recharge. I always hoped someone would break through his walls and make him smile more. You did that, Akshu," Manjiri continued, her voice filled with emotion. "I see him smiling more than ever now. You've brought him happiness, just like the vibrant colors you've brought into this room."

Akshu listened intently, moved by Manjiri's words. She had always known the Abhi she loved, but hearing about him from his mother made her feel even closer to him. Seeing the tears of joy in Manjiri's eyes, Akshu hugged her, overwhelmed by the moment.

By evening, the room was finally set up, and it looked like a newlywed couple's sanctuary. As Akshu took a break and rested on the sofa, Abhi called from the hospital.

"Akshu, when do you resume work at the hospital?"

"Tomorrow, why? You sound worried, is everything okay?"

"Well, there's a child here in critical condition, and your music could really help him right now. Can you come in? It's late, and it's your day off, but..."

"I'm coming," Akshu interrupted, already grabbing her things to head to Birla hospital.

She hurried to Abhi's cabin, where he handed her a file.

"This is his file," Abhi said.

Akshu opened it to find two plane tickets to Hawaii. She looked up at Abhi, confused, until she saw his wide grin.

"Yes, we're going to Hawaii tomorrow for our honeymoon," he announced, lifting her off the ground and spinning her around.

Akshu couldn't help but smile, but then playfully swatted his shoulder. "You know how fast my heart was beating?"

"I'm sorry," Abhi teased. "I couldn't risk surprising you at home. I thought about leaving it somewhere in our room, but what if Neil or Maa found it first? Anyway, the flight's tomorrow, so we need to pack tonight."

"I just spent the entire day unpacking, and now I have to pack again?" Akshu muttered with a frown.

"What?" Abhi asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Nothing," Akshu replied quickly. "I'm just... I'm tired of packing and unpacking. Now you have to pack for both of us."

"With pleasure," Abhi said, his voice playful. "But just know, that means I get to choose what you'll wear. And you'll have to wear it." He ended the sentence with a teasing kiss on her cheek.

Akshu blushed deeply, quickly replying, "I'll pack my own bag."

They headed home together. At dinner, Abhi excitedly shared their travel plans with the family. Afterward, they began packing.

Abhi was efficient, while Akshu took her time, nervously deciding on what to bring.

Abhi watched her, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.

"Shut up!" Akshu shot back, laughing.

"I didn't even say anything!" Abhi grinned, feigning innocence.

Eventually, Akshu finished packing, and they decided to rest before their early flight the next day.